.jason mcintyre

Not many cyclists will see their careers start to take off at the age of 34, but Jason McIntyre was a man with an extraordinary amount of determination and self-belief. Nine years ago Jason had given up competitive cycling, becoming full-time carer to one of his twin daughters who was born with a kidney condition that should have been fatal. Chloe, and her sister Morgan, have now been robbed of their father.

It puts the loss of the sporting community into perspective, but does not, and should not, temper the deep sense of mourning of cyclists and non-cyclists alike after Jason, on 15th January 2008, was involved in a fatal incident with a van on the A82.

Jason had been on a training ride, with not unrealistic hopes of a berth in the British Olympic squad. With the hiatus in his career Jason was always going to be a late starter if he was going to fulfil his potential, but it was a potential he was most certainly starting to realise.

His death was felt very deeply by cyclists, given the nationwide coverage afforded one of our best cyclists - the biggest shame in that being Jason not receiving the recognition he richly deserved while he was alive.

Online books of condolence on his own website, and the Braveheart Cycling Fund website (who were funding Jason's training) quickly started filling up, and speaking to people who had seen him on the racing circuit it's clear he was a likeable, and liked, rider.

Dedicated to his sport, and even more to his family, Jason will be sadly missed.

Jason McIntyre's website.